Main Entry: ²barbecue

Variant(s): also bar·be·que

Function: noun

Etymology: American Spanish barbacoa framework for supporting meat over a fire, probably from Taino

Date: 1709

1 a : a large animal (as a steer) roasted whole or split over an open fire or a fire in a pit b : barbecued food <eat barbecue>
2 : a social gathering especially in the open air at which barbecued food is eaten
3 : an often portable fireplace over which meat and fish are roasted